Can I refuse to sign at the gangway?

Yes. If the SEA presented at the gangway differs from the one you were sent before flying, you can refuse. The owner is responsible for your repatriation under MLC A2.5.1 if the contract is not concluded.

What if the SEA only references the CBA but doesn't include it?

Ask the master or the manning agent for a copy of the named CBA. The CBA is part of your terms; you have a right to read it.

Contract checklist — what to verify before signing

The plain-English checklist a working seafarer should run on a Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) before signing or boarding. Pairs with the contract red-flag checker tool.

Who this is for

Every seafarer about to sign a SEA — cadets on first contract, ratings, officers, hotel crew, yacht crew. The brief is to spot problems before signing, not after.

Practical steps

Get the SEA in writing before flying. If it only appears at the gangway, treat that as a red flag (MLC A2.1 requires an advance opportunity to examine and seek advice).
Read every page. If the SEA is in a language you do not understand, demand a translated copy or refuse to sign.
Cross-check the named principal shipowner against /companies and the vessel against /ships.
Confirm the wage figure against the published range using the wage checker.
Run the 14-point contract red-flag checker.
Keep your own signed copy. The owner / agent gets one too.

Checklist

Principal shipowner named (not just the manning agent).
Vessel name + IMO match the offer you accepted.
Rank + capacity match what you applied for.
Contract length is explicit (e.g. '6 months ±1 month at owner's discretion').
Basic wage in a stated currency.
Overtime structure named (guaranteed / hourly / cap).
Leave pay accrual rate stated.
Allotment portion / payee / frequency named.
Repatriation entitlement is explicit (MLC A2.5.1).
Financial-security certificate referenced (MLC A2.5.2 + A4.2.1).
Applicable CBA referenced by name.
Hours-of-rest treatment referenced (STCW VIII / MLC A2.3).
Termination clauses are symmetric and explicit.
No 'pay-to-secure-the-job' clause anywhere.

Common mistakes

Signing a different SEA at the gangway than the one received before flying.
Accepting verbal assurances instead of written amendments.
Trusting that the manning agent's licence number alone makes the offer legitimate.
Skipping the CBA — the SEA wage may be lower than the CBA wage you are entitled to.

FAQ

Can I refuse to sign at the gangway?: Yes. If the SEA presented at the gangway differs from the one you were sent before flying, you can refuse. The owner is responsible for your repatriation under MLC A2.5.1 if the contract is not concluded.
What if the SEA only references the CBA but doesn't include it?: Ask the master or the manning agent for a copy of the named CBA. The CBA is part of your terms; you have a right to read it.

Primary sources

High confidence

Last verified 5 months ago